Children’s favourites will include a scavenger hunt, a waste free picnic, music performances and workshops.

Thousands of people from Ballarat, Melbourne, the western district and further afield are expected to converge on the gardens for the free community festival from March 10 to 12.

Live entertainment for all ages including comedy and music will appeal to all ages.

This year’s Begonia Display inside the Conservatory features 2500 tuberous begonias grown by the City of Ballarat’s gardeners.

City of Ballarat mayor Samantha McIntosh said people from all around the country will come to the gardens to enjoy what residents can take advantage of every day of the week.

Dirt Girl. Picture: Lachlan Bence

“There is no doubt Begonia Festival has become an institution, a very positive one, a very strong and gorgeous one,” she said.

“Ballarat is an art filled city, it is one that is becoming much more creative and that vibrancy that is created is something we are celebrating and you will see that through Begonia Festival this year.”

The festival lineup also includes The New Jonses tiny house which showcases everyday choices for a healthier planet.

There will also be presentations on food, gardening, woodwork and waste free living.

Cr Daniel Moloney said Ballarat was so lucky to have a fantastic botanical garden and festival year in, year out on our doorstep.